What Did Bridewell Mean?

Bridewell is a common noun meaning jail, (now archaic,) a surname, and the proper name of a number of jails. Bridewell may refer to: Buildings. Any prison in Britain or its English-speaking former colonies; especially. Bridewell Palace, London; later a prison, the original "bridewell".

What is the origin of Bridewell?

The name Bridewell came from the nearby 'holy well' of St. Bride's church. And the church's name is from Saint Brigid of Kildare, which is sometimes written as Bride.

Why do they call police stations Bridewell?

The term Bridewell has its origins in the 16th century. Cardinal Wolsey had built a Bishops Palace at St Brides Well in London. Near to the banks of the River Fleet which is near to the modern day Fleet Street. Henry VIII at the time was using the Palace of Westminster when it was destroyed by fire.